Several changes coming on offensive unit

The Sports Xchange

June 30, 2012 2:24 AM ET

--For the first time in quite a while, the Giants offense will be undergoing a significant overhaul at nearly every position except for one: quarterback.

Given all the change that is expected -- the offensive line and tight ends units will each have at least one new starter, while the running backs and wide receivers will be looking to fill the second and third spots on their respective units -- head coach Tom Coughlin believes that if the team sticks to the principles that got them to the Super Bowl, the transition should be smooth.

"There are changes; there is no doubt about that, but I like the way that our team responded and finished," he said. "The big key for our team is the bridging over of all of those values and virtues and principles that we carried forward from 7-7 on.

"I have every confidence that they will come back just as inspired to want to play at their very best," he added. "If we play with harmony with all three phases like we are capable of and we carry these things over and we encourage these young guys to be a part of it and we improve ... we will be representative."

--On an interview with WFNZ Radio in Charlotte, N.C., wide receiver Hakeem Nick reiterated his goal to be ready for training camp. Nicks suffered a broken bone in his foot during OTAs in May.

Nicks said, "Definitely making training camp. I started running about two weeks (ago) but the coaches don't really want me to force the issue right now so I still haven't started running yet. They want me to just take my time with it - they feel like that's what's best. So right now I'm just taking my time with it. ... But I'll definitely be ready for the season."

--So how did the Giants come through in this, their first offseason operating under the new and more restrictive Collective Bargaining Agreement rules that not only limit on-field activity, but also reduced the time the coaches could spend with the players?

"I'm going to have to look at that, to be honest with you," said head coach Tom Coughlin. "We really threw a lot at them (mentally). We won't know exactly how much they have allowed that stuff to be absorbed until we get to camp."

--The Giants' decision to re-sign defensive tackle Rocky Bernard raised more than a few eyebrows, especially considering that they are expecting to have Marvin Austin back this year to join seventh-round draft pick Markus Kuhn and veteran Shaun Rogers, the latter of whom was signed just before the start of the draft.

"Good football player that helps us in a lot of different ways; solid, solid guy - great in the classroom, great with his teammates," said head coach Tom Coughlin. "We know exactly what we can get out of him. He is in excellent shape. His weight is outstanding. So you can't have enough quality football players."

"It's great to have Rocky Bernard back," added defensive coordinator Perry Fewell. "He is a rock in our defense. He's a very solid guy that plays very well."

--Giants defensive tackle Chris Canty will take part in the three-day, United Way Youth Empowerment Summit hosted at American University. The event engages participants in identifying opportunities to improve the academic success of American students and create engagement opportunities for Team NFL members and their supporters to recruit readers, tutors, and mentors.

"One of the most important investments we can make is in our students," said Canty, who will also be hosting youth football camps this summer in Charlotte, N.C. and in northern New Jersey.

"I applaud the United Way and TEAM NFL volunteers and supporters for actively seeking opportunities to plant good seeds so that the future of America, our students, can blossom into well-educated, productive men and women."

QUOTE TO NOTE "The goal is always to win the Super Bowl, be responsible, take care of yourselves, enjoy yourselves, but let's make sure we can all get back together with a smile on our face and a stern look in our eye when we come back together on (July) 26." - Head coach Tom Coughlin, on what his final message was to his team prior to dismissing them for the summer.